Pack Smarter, Not Larger: My Top 3 Tips for Packing in a Carry-On ✈️
Have you ever spent your week-long vacation hauling an overstuffed suitcase around the world, only to realize that half of your outfits never even left your bag?
Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve spent many international vacations weighed down by luggage (literally) or, worse yet, having my checked luggage lost before I even arrived at my destination. After enough of these trips, I decided it was finally time to ditch all the extras and break free from the “but what if I need it” mindset.
Whether you're jetting off for a quick weekend escape or an extended getaway, these are the tips that helped me most when it came to mastering the art of carry-on packing. Get ready to travel smarter, lighter, and with WAY less baggage!
1. Pre-Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time
Let’s kick things off with a game-changer: planning your outfits ahead of time. I know, I know…some of you might be thinking, “But I’m a mood dresser!” Trust me, this step is essential if you want to save space and avoid the stress of overpacking.
The fear of the unknown and the “what if” mindset is the #1 culprit when it comes to overpacking. When you’re not sure what you’re bringing, it’s easy to second guess yourself and throw in extra items “just in case.” This is how you end up with 37 pairs of underwear for a week-long trip or 6 fancy dresses while camping.
Instead, if you plan ahead, there’s no second guessing whether or not you have all the items you need to keep you covered (literally).
I tackle this by using my Packing List Template to map out my daily activities for the trip, then jot down the perfect outfit for each occasion.
Whether it’s a beach day, a fancy dinner, or an impromptu adventure, having your outfits planned out in advance ensures you pack exactly what you need and nothing more. By eliminating the unknown and identifying any wardrobe gaps before you even start packing, you can confidently skip the extras. For instance, if you’ve got six dressy outfits but only two events to wear them to, it’s time to rethink that selection. And for all my mood dressers out there, don’t worry—you can still pack 1-2 back-up options, just plan them in advance!
2. Stick to a Color Scheme
When it comes to packing smart, the goal is to get more outfits out of fewer pieces of clothing. So, how do we pack less? Simple: channel your inner capsule wardrobe guru by packing clothes that mix and match effortlessly. By sticking to a cohesive color scheme, you can create multiple looks without overstuffing your suitcase. Think neutrals like grays, blacks, and whites, or go bold with a bright palette like pinks and oranges for that perfect vacay vibe.
Versatility is key here! Every piece you pack should work well with the others, allowing you to maximize your outfit options with minimal items.
This also applies to your accessories: choose pieces that complement your color scheme, like a brown leather belt, purse, and shoes that can be paired with any outfit. And remember, your different outfit categories should share key pieces, like all of your nice dresses matching perfectly with one chic pair of shoes. By coordinating your wardrobe this way, you’ll be able to pack less while still having plenty of stylish options.
3. Compression Packing Cubes Are Your BFF
Compression packing cubes are literally my favorite packing product of all time. (This is pretty much just a compression cube stan website.) This is because compression cubes physically make your items smaller by compressing out all the air trapped inside fabrics and eliminating empty spaces in your clothing pile, so your items take up way less room in your bag. So, if you pack 10 shirts in your suitcase on their own vs. packing those same 10 shirts inside compression packing cubes, they’re physically going to take up less room in your suitcase when they’re packed inside the cubes. 🤯 This means you can pack more of what you need (or just enjoy the extra space for souvenirs) without having to upgrade to a larger bag.
Compression packing cubes also help you stay super organized. When I traveled to Ireland for 12 days, I used different cubes for different legs of the trip. This meant that when I arrived at a hotel for just a couple of nights, I only had to unpack one cube to access the outfits I needed. No more rummaging through a jumbled mess of clean and dirty clothes—just grab, go, and enjoy your trip!
Bonus Tip: Pack for the REAL You
One last piece of advice before you head off on your trip…pack for the person you are, not the aspirational version of yourself that you want to be. If you’re not a dress person at home, don’t suddenly expect to wear a dress every day on vacation. Pack a couple if you’d like, but keep it realistic. The same goes for high heels or fresh pajamas for every night. If that’s not your norm, don’t overpack them.
The key to smart packing is staying true to yourself and your habits, so you can fully enjoy your vacation feeling comfortable and at ease.
Like these tips?
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